Saudi Arabia end 22-year wait for another Gulf Cup title

DUBAI (Agencies): Hosts Saudi Arabia won the 27th Gulf Cup with a 2-0 win over the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, ending a 22-year wait to lift the trophy again. Winger Hammam Al Hammami opened the scoring in the 11th minute with a deflected shot from the edge of the box, sparking celebrations at King Abdullah Sports City. Georgios Donis’ side continued their impressive start, with Feras Al Brikan making it 2-0 from close range two minutes later. They almost scored again when Saleh Abu Alshamat, who started alongside his brother Mohammed, hit the bar. The UAE were awarded a penalty, but VAR overturned the decision in the 38th minute. Saudi goalkeeper Mohamed Al Owais denied Sultan Adil from close range after the interval, before UAE forward Fabio Lima struck the bar in the 88th minute, leaving Saudi Arabia with a clean sheet throughout the tournament. The triumph gave the Saudis a fourth Gulf Cup title, their first since 2004.